Reporting to: Director, Paid Media

⚡ DTC ecommerce client experience required to be considered for this role.

We’re partnering with a high-growth performance marketing agency to find an Associate Director of Paid Media — a senior player-coach who thrives at the intersection of strategy, client leadership, and hands-on execution.

This agency builds and runs campaigns for ambitious DTC and ecommerce brands, with a culture that values experimentation, speed, and measurable impact. If you love owning complex accounts, developing sharp media teams, and driving growth that actually moves the needle, this role was built for you.

Why This Role

• Senior seat with real ownership — you’re not just executing, you’re shaping strategy

• Work with innovative DTC brands across categories

• Lead and grow a talented media team

• Agency environment that rewards results

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-channel paid media strategy and planning across a portfolio of DTC/ecommerce accounts

• Act as a senior client partner — owning digital marketing strategy, growth roadmaps, and performance storytelling

• Translate client objectives into structured frameworks, testing agendas, and media mix models

• Oversee campaign execution and optimization across Meta, Google, TikTok, and emerging channels

• Stay hands-on in-platform for high-priority launches, scaling phases, and complex tests

• Manage and mentor a team of Media Managers and Strategists — providing coaching, feedback, and development

• Serve as a second layer of leadership, ensuring account health, best practices, and elevated team standards

• Contribute to hiring, onboarding, and team growth initiatives

• Evaluate new platforms, partners, and tools to keep the media practice ahead of the curve

• Support new business efforts with pitch strategy, forecasting, and client-facing presentations

Requirements

• 4+ years of paid media experience, with a strong preference for agency background

• Proven track record owning client strategy and scaling performance across Meta, Google, and TikTok

• Experience managing and developing junior to mid-level media buyers

• Strong analytical skills — you distill performance data into clear, actionable strategies

• Excellent communicator and presenter; confident with senior client stakeholders

• Operator mindset — willing to roll up your sleeves and jump in-platform, while also capable of stepping back to guide big-picture strategy

• Collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Must-Have

Direct experience managing paid media for DTC and/or ecommerce clients is required. Candidates without this background will not be considered.

It is understood that Hansen Recruiting, LLC recruits and refers candidates, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally-recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances.